A contact grill is much more versatile than just a device for a toasted sandwich. Depending on the model, you can also use it to prepare paninis, vegetables, meat, fish, and other dishes. Some contact grills can even be opened completely flat, giving you a larger grilling surface.
But how do you actually use a contact grill? Do you need to preheat it first? What temperature do you need? And what is the difference between a contact grill, a panini grill, and a regular sandwich maker?
In this guide, we explain it step by step. Do you want to see the different models first? Then discover the contact grills at TEKZEN.
What is a contact grill?
A contact grill is an electric kitchen appliance with a bottom and a top grill plate. You place the dish on the bottom plate and then close the top.
This allows the dish to be heated from both the top and bottom at the same time.
That is an important difference compared to, for example, a regular grill pan, where the dish is mainly heated from one side and you turn it over during preparation.
Within the contact grill collection at TEKZEN, you will find various designs, including compact models and larger grills from brands such as Arzum.
What can you make with a contact grill?
A contact grill can be used for various preparations. Which options you have depends on the chosen device.
Depending on the model, you can think of, for example:
- toasted sandwiches;
- paninis;
- hot sandwiches;
- vegetables;
- meat;
- fish;
- other suitable grilled dishes.
Always check the manual and product specifications of your device for the exact usage options.
How do you use a contact grill?
Using most contact grills is relatively simple.
You switch the device on, let the grill plates reach the correct temperature if prescribed, and then place the dish on the bottom grill plate.
After that, you carefully close the top plate over the dish.
Because both plates emit heat, the dish is heated on two sides at the same time.
The exact operation, temperature, and preparation time differ per device and dish. Therefore, always follow the instructions for your contact grill.
Do you have to preheat a contact grill?
For many contact grills, preheating is part of the usage process.
This ensures the grill plates are already at the right temperature before you place the dish on them. This can help to start the grilling process immediately.
Some devices have an indicator light or display that shows when the desired temperature has been reached.
How long preheating takes and how this is indicated differs per model.
Making a toasted sandwich with a contact grill
One of the best-known uses is making a toasted sandwich.
Fill two slices of bread with your desired ingredients, place the sandwich on the bottom grill plate, and close the device.
The advantage of a contact grill is that with many models you are not tied to fixed triangular shapes like with some traditional sandwich makers.
This allows you to use different types and sizes of bread, depending on the size of the grill plates.
Making a panini with a contact grill
A contact grill is also very suitable for hot paninis.
Fill the bread as desired and place it between the grill plates. Due to the contact with the top and bottom plate, the bread is heated on both sides.
Ribbed grill plates can leave the recognizable grill marks on the bread.
Within the TEKZEN collection, you will find, among other things, various Arzum Panini Grill & Sandwich Makers.
For this, view the contact grills and panini grills at TEKZEN.
Grilling vegetables on a contact grill
Various vegetables can also be prepared on a contact grill.
Think, for example, of suitable pieces of zucchini, bell pepper, eggplant, onion, or mushrooms.
Preferably cut the vegetables into pieces that can make even contact with the grill plates. This allows the heat to be distributed more effectively across the surface.
The required preparation time differs per vegetable, thickness, and set temperature.
Preparing meat on a contact grill
Depending on the model, you can also use a contact grill for various meat preparations.
Because the meat lies between two heated grill plates, it is heated on both sides simultaneously.
The correct preparation time depends on the type of meat, the thickness, and the temperature of the grill.
When preparing meat, always ensure that a safe internal temperature is reached that is appropriate for the product in question.
Can you prepare chicken on a contact grill?
With a suitable model, chicken can also be prepared on a contact grill.
For chicken, it is extra important that the meat is thoroughly cooked. The outside may look grilled while the thickest part is still insufficiently heated.
Therefore, when in doubt, use a suitable food thermometer and check the safe internal temperature.
Fish on the contact grill
Depending on the grill plates and the device, certain types of fish can also be prepared.
Fish can be more delicate than, for example, a panini or a solid piece of meat. Therefore, handle the product carefully and do not use sharp objects that could damage both the fish and any non-stick coating.
Check the manual of your contact grill for suitable preparations.
What does 1800W or 2000W mean for a contact grill?
When comparing contact grills, you will often come across the power in watts.
Within the current TEKZEN assortment, you will find models of 1800W and 2000W, among others.
The wattage indicates the electrical power of the device. A higher power can contribute to quick heating and powerful grilling, but it does not independently tell you how well a contact grill performs.
Therefore, also look at the size of the grill plates, temperature control, construction, and features.
Opening a contact grill 180 degrees
Some contact grills can be opened completely.
This allows the top and bottom grill plates to lie next to each other, creating a larger grilling surface.
That can be useful when you want to prepare multiple ingredients at the same time or use the device as a table grill.
Within the current TEKZEN assortment, you will find various models offered as 180-degree opening.
Always check with the chosen product whether this function is actually present.
Using a contact grill as a table grill
When a contact grill can be opened completely, a suitable model can also be used as a table grill.
You then use both grill plates next to each other instead of on top of each other.
This provides more surface area and can be practical when you want to grill different ingredients at the same time.
When using it at the table, ensure that the device is stable and heat-resistant and that the cord is placed safely.
Contact grill with temperature control
Temperature control gives you more control over different preparations.
After all, a panini does not necessarily require the same setting as vegetables or meat.
With some models, you can adjust the temperature manually, while other devices work with fixed settings.
Therefore, compare the operation when choosing a contact grill at TEKZEN.
Contact grill with non-stick coating
Various contact grills have grill plates with a non-stick coating.
Such a coating is designed to help prevent suitable ingredients from sticking easily to the surface.
Do not use sharp metal objects with a non-stick coating if the manufacturer advises against it. This will prevent unnecessary damage.
Also, follow the maintenance instructions for the device when cleaning.
Contact grill or sandwich maker?
A contact grill and a sandwich maker can both prepare hot sandwiches, but they are not exactly the same.
A traditional sandwich maker is primarily intended for toasted sandwiches and often has shaped baking plates.
A multifunctional contact grill generally offers more possibilities. Depending on the model, you can also use it to prepare paninis, vegetables, meat, and other dishes in addition to toasted sandwiches.
If you only want to make a traditional toasted sandwich occasionally, a simple device may suffice. If you are looking for more versatility, a contact grill is more interesting.
Contact grill or grill pan?
You use a grill pan on a stovetop, while a contact grill is an electric appliance.
With a grill pan, the dish is mainly heated from the bottom, and you usually turn it over during preparation.
With a closed contact grill, the top and bottom of the dish make contact with a heated plate at the same time.
Which method you prefer depends on the dish and your way of cooking.
Would you rather grill on your stovetop? Within the pans collection at TEKZEN, you will also find grill pans and grill plates.
Contact grill or airfryer?
Although both are electric kitchen appliances, they use a different preparation method.
A contact grill heats the dish via the grill plates that the product is in contact with. An airfryer uses circulating hot air.
A contact grill is therefore, for example, useful for paninis, toasted sandwiches, and dishes where you want direct contact with a grill plate.
An airfryer is specifically designed for preparation with hot air.
Both devices can therefore fulfill different roles in the kitchen. Also check out the kitchen appliances at TEKZEN if you want to compare different devices.
How do you clean a contact grill?
After use, let the contact grill cool down sufficiently and unplug the power cord if required.
Then remove loose food residue and grease according to the maintenance instructions.
Do not use aggressive or abrasive materials on a non-stick coating if they can damage the surface.
With some contact grills, the grill plates can be removed. With other models, they are fixed to the device.
Therefore, always check the manual before you start cleaning, and never submerge electrical components in water.
Contact grill with removable plates
Removable grill plates can make cleaning easier because you can clean them separately from the device.
However, that does not automatically mean that every removable grill plate is dishwasher safe.
Always check the maintenance instructions for the specific model.
How do you prevent stuck-on residue?
Preferably, do not leave food residue on the grill plates for unnecessarily long.
After the device has cooled down sufficiently, you can remove residue according to the cleaning instructions.
Do not use knives, forks, or other sharp metal objects to scrape stuck-on residue from a non-stick coating.
Which contact grill should you choose?
The best choice mainly depends on what you want to prepare with the device.
When comparing, pay attention to, among other things:
- the size of the grill plates;
- the power;
- temperature control;
- possibility to open 180 degrees;
- removable or fixed grill plates;
- non-stick coating;
- storage options;
- the dishes for which the model is suitable.
Someone who mainly makes one toasted sandwich at a time has different requirements than someone who wants to regularly grill paninis, meat, and vegetables for multiple people.
Buy a contact grill at TEKZEN
A contact grill is a versatile kitchen appliance with which you can make much more than just a toasted sandwich. Depending on the model, you use it for paninis, sandwiches, vegetables, meat, fish, and various other grilled dishes.
Within the current TEKZEN assortment, you will find various contact grills, including models of 1800W and 2000W and versions that can be opened completely.
View the contact grills at TEKZEN and compare the different sizes and features. Do you also want to discover other electrical appliances? Then check the complete collection of kitchen appliances at TEKZEN.